Digital buyer journeys
What digital buyer journeys means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Event overview
Overview
The Lakes Hospitality Trade Show is a premier event celebrating its 50th edition in 2027. Taking place at the J36 Rural Auction Centre in Cumbria, this dynamic trade show brings together over 150 leading brands from the hospitality industry.
Attendees can explore the latest products, enjoy live demonstrations, and network with industry professionals. With free entry and parking, this event is a must-attend for anyone in the hospitality sector.
Lakes Hospitality Trade Show takes place in.
TL;DR
- 1Dates and Venue: February show window at J36 Rural Auction Centre, Crooklands near Kendal, Cumbria - check the official schedule for exact days and opening hours.
- 2Scale and Focus: 50th-year edition with 150+ exhibitors showing hospitality products and services for hotels, pubs, restaurants, cafes and leisure operators.
- 3Sector Scope: Food and drink supply, kitchen and bar equipment, housekeeping and guest amenities, interiors, EPOS and booking technology, outdoor and leisure furnishings.
- 4Organiser: Lakes Hospitality Association, the regional body for Cumbria's hospitality trade.
- 5Who Should Attend: Owner-operators, general managers, F&B and housekeeping leads, procurement teams and visitor-attraction managers from the Lake District and wider Cumbria.
Why visit
Visit the Lakes Hospitality Trade Show to connect with over 150 exhibitors showcasing innovative products and services. Dates and Venue: The Lakes Hospitality Trade Show takes place on 24th and 25th February 2027 at J36 Rural Auction Centre, Cumbria, UK. Buyer Authority: Attendees include hospitality professionals, suppliers, and decision-makers looking for innovative solutions. Entry / Access: The event is free to attend with free parking available for all visitors.
Why exhibit
Exhibiting at the Lakes Hospitality Trade Show provides direct access to key decision-makers in the hospitality industry. Showcase your products to a targeted audience, generate leads, and build valuable relationships. This is an excellent opportunity to elevate your brand's visibility in the market.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Who this event is for
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Hospitality business owners seeking new suppliers
Catering professionals looking for innovative products
Decision-makers from hotels and restaurants
Event planners and coordinators in the hospitality sector
Local producers and artisans showcasing their offerings
Industry professionals interested in networking and collaboration
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Suppliers of kitchen equipment and appliances
Food and beverage manufacturers
Hospitality service providers and consultants
Interior design and furniture suppliers for hospitality
Health and safety equipment providers
Technology solutions for the hospitality industry
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Kitchen equipment and appliances for restaurants
Beverage suppliers including wines and spirits
Health and safety products for hospitality businesses
Furniture and interior design solutions for hotels
Catering services and food suppliers
Hospitality technology solutions for management and operations
Location & Facilities
Venue
J36 Rural Auction Centre
Crooklands, Cumbria, LA7 7NU
Facilities
Parking
J36 Rural Auction Centre in Cumbria typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Food options
On-site catering
On-site diningParking: J36 Rural Auction Centre in Cumbria typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Gate: Follow organiser signage to the main visitor entrance at J36 Rural Auction Centre for badge collection; allow extra time for security screening during peak morning arrival.
Attend
Entry & tickets
Free registration
Who runs the show
Organisers
Lakes Hospitality Association
How the last edition performed
Previous edition
Last edition
—
unknown
Exhibitors: 150
Next edition
Not announced yet
Intelligence
Market context
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Cumbria, United Kingdom
Why it matters
Attending Lakes Hospitality Trade Show on 2027-02-24 to 2027-02-25 in Cumbria lets buyers and specifiers benchmark suppliers, see live demonstrations, and compress months of vendor meetings into one focused trade visit — worthwhile when your category roadmap aligns with the official exhibitor profile.
Industry trends
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Sustainability in procurement
What sustainability in procurement means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Automation and labour efficiency
What automation and labour efficiency means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Regional supply-chain resilience
What regional supply-chain resilience means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Hybrid engagement models
What hybrid engagement models means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Market news
Latest updates from across the market.
Plan your trip
Travel & logistics
Local currency · GBP
Hotel tiers
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
budget
Kendal and Killington Lake, M6 corridorDays Inn by Wyndham Kendal Killington Lake and Travelodge Burton M6 Northbound appeared in Google Hotels results for the venue date; both offer free parking, useful for a rural fairground.
midscale
Kendal and CrooklandsThe Lakeland Hotel, Kendal and Gilpin Bridge Country Inn were listed among hotels near J36 Rural Auction Centre with free cancellation or pet-friendly policies.
upper-midscale
Kendal and surroundsPine Lake Resort and Stonecross Manor Hotel appeared in the same Google Hotels search with pool or hot tub amenities.
premium
KendalPlato's, Bar, Restaurant with Rooms is the highest-rated option surfaced for the venue date, combining rooms with an on-site restaurant.
Local transport
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
Taxi
Estimated costGBP 30-70 taxi or rideshare to the venue district
Best forKendal or Oxenholme to J36 Rural Auction Centre, Crooklands
Taxi is the most direct option from Kendal rail links to the rural fairground.
Car
Estimated costFuel and parking costs vary; confirm venue parking charges
Best forM6 Junction 36 then local roads to the auction centre
The site is directly associated with M6 Junction 36, making self-drive the standard arrival mode; free parking is advertised for events at the J36 site.
Rail plus taxi
Estimated costGBP 30-70 taxi or rideshare to the venue district
Best forOxenholme Lake District station to Crooklands by taxi
Oxenholme on the West Coast Main Line is the usual rail arrival point for Kendal and the southern Lakes.
taxi
Estimated costGBP 30-70 taxi or rideshare to the venue district
Best forManchester Airport (MAN) to J36 Rural Auction Centre
taxi
Estimated costGBP 30-70 taxi or rideshare to the venue district
Best forLiverpool John Lennon Airport (LPL) to J36 Rural Auction Centre
taxi
Estimated costGBP 30-70 taxi or rideshare to the venue district
Best forNewcastle International Airport (NCL) to J36 Rural Auction Centre
taxi
Estimated costGBP 30-70 taxi or rideshare to the venue district
Best forLeeds Bradford Airport (LBA) to J36 Rural Auction Centre
Plan your trip
Visa & entry documents
Check the latest visa requirements and entry guidelines before travelling.
Visa not required
ATA Carnet: check with organiser
Weather
February at J36 Rural Auction Centre near Kendal is cold and frequently wet; plan for rain and wind between the car park and the halls, and check a Cumbria forecast in the days before travelling.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
UK mobile networks offer prepaid SIM and eSIM options for visitors; venue Wi‑Fi availability varies - confirm with the organiser.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Cultural notes
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Hospitality buyers, not general public
The show floor is built around hotel, pub, restaurant and leisure operators comparing food and drink supply, housekeeping products, equipment and guest-facing services. Bring the colleagues who own menus, rooms, tariffs or procurement.
Rural auction-centre setting
J36 Rural Auction Centre is a working rural site beside the M6, so expect tarmac, gravel and short outdoor walks between parking and the halls. Waterproof footwear is more useful than formal shoes in February.
February in Cumbria
Cold, wet and windy weather is common in the Kendal area in February. Add buffer time for the A65 and M6 approaches, and keep a waterproof layer in the car rather than relying on an umbrella between halls.
Cumbrian food and drink provenance
Local suppliers often lead with provenance - fell-reared meat, lake fish, ales, gin and bakery products - so buyers should arrive ready to discuss menu fit, seasonality and delivery volume, not just list prices.
Appointment-led supplier meetings
Many exhibitors are regional producers and small hospitality suppliers. A named appointment slot is more productive than a walk-up pitch, especially for decision-makers covering multiple sites.
Practical guides
Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Flights
Compare flights to the nearest international gateway serving Cumbria; confirm ground transport on the organiser site.
Visa
Entry rules depend on nationality: some business visitors can attend a trade show without a visa, while others need a UK Standard Visitor visa arranged before travel. Confirm your case on the GOV.UK business visit page.
Processing: Varies by nationality; apply several weeks before travel.
GOV.UK's Standard Visitor guidance covers permitted business activities such as attending conferences and trade fairs; check the official requirements list for your country before booking.
OfficialTransport
Get to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Use the nearest international airport serving Cumbria; Metro, train or taxi links are typically available to the venue district.
Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near J36 Rural Auction Centre: Kendal and Killington Lake, M6 corridor: Kendal and Killington Lake, M6 corridor; Kendal and Crooklands: Kendal and Crooklands; Kendal and surrounds: Kendal and surrounds.
Ride-hail: Ride-hailing apps are commonly used in Cumbria; confirm local availability before travel.
Public transit: Direct bus service to the J36 Rural Auction Centre is limited; most visitors arrive by car via M6 Junction 36 or take a train to Oxenholme/Kendal and finish the journey by taxi.
Parking: On-site parking is available at J36 Rural Auction Centre; confirm daily rates and hall access on the organiser or venue site.
Weather
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: February 2027
Temperature: Cold winter conditions typical for Cumbria in February, with daytime highs in the single digits Celsius and colder nights; check a local forecast before travel.
Seasonality: February is a wet, unsettled month in Cumbria; expect rain showers and occasional wintry weather on the drive to Crooklands.
Packing: Pack a waterproof outer layer, warm mid-layers, and sturdy shoes for outdoor walks between parking and the exhibition hall; bring an umbrella or hood.
Plan your trip
Planning
Best day to visit: Day 2 (mid-show)
Mid-show days at Lakes Hospitality Trade Show usually combine full exhibitor attendance with scheduled B2B meetings, before early pack-down on the final day.
T-1
Confirm exact February dates and opening hours on the official schedule
T-2
Book accommodation in Kendal or the M6 corridor
T-3
Plan the rail and taxi connection
T-4
Build a shortlist of exhibitors by buying category
T-5
Check M6 Junction 36 travel conditions and weather
T-6
Prepare buyer information and order specifications
T-7
Pack for a rural fairground
T-8
Confirm badge, meeting times and taxi
T-9
Arrive early and walk the hall once before appointments
T-10
Follow up within 48 hours
Sample visitor itinerary
Route-optimised day
Day 1 · morning
Registration and hall orientation at J36 Rural Auction Centre
Day 2 · core sessions
Supplier meetings and product demos
Day 3 · wrap-up
Final negotiations and follow-up
Networking spots
2Lakes Hospitality Trade Show registration concourse
J36 Rural Auction Centre
Central meeting point before and between hall appointments during show days.
Organiser B2B lounge (if offered)
J36 Rural Auction Centre
Hosted matchmaking and buyer programmes when published by the organiser.
Budget
Costs & budget
Build your working budget
Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
Estimated budget
Live estimate
- Hotel × 2 nights£190.00
- Per diem × 2£150.00
Estimated total£340.00
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Decision
Visit, exhibit, or skip?
Should you go?
Use this quick check to decide whether Lakes Hospitality Trade Show fits your visit, exhibit or skip plan.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
What is your primary role?
Decision matrix
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
Your category focus aligns with the official product themes.
Best for
Buyers, researchers, and delegates evaluating the programme and networking value.
Min. budget
$400.00
Timeline
4-8 weeks before opening day for registration and travel.
Risks
Limited session times published - confirm agenda before booking.
exhibit
You have a clear lead-generation or launch goal for this market.
Best for
Suppliers and brands seeking qualified meetings with the event audience.
Min. budget
$2,500.00
Timeline
3-6 months for stand booking, freight, and marketing prep.
Risks
Booth pricing not published in captured sources - confirm with organiser.
skip
Programme, audience, or commercial goals do not match your plan.
Best for
Teams whose category or region fit is weak this edition.
Timeline
N/A
Risks
No major risks listed.
Gallery
Photos
FAQs & glossary
Answers
Frequently asked
What is the Lakes Hospitality Trade Show?
It is a hospitality trade show organised by the Lakes Hospitality Association at J36 Rural Auction Centre near Kendal. The 50th-year edition brings together 150+ exhibitors serving hotels, pubs, restaurants, cafes and leisure operators across Cumbria and the Lake District.
When and where does the show take place?
The show runs in February at J36 Rural Auction Centre, Crooklands near Kendal, Cumbria. Check the official schedule for exact dates and opening hours before booking trains or accommodation.
Who should attend the Lakes Hospitality Trade Show?
It suits owner-operators, general managers, food and beverage managers, housekeeping leads, procurement teams and visitor-attraction managers. Suppliers to hotels, pubs, restaurants and leisure venues also attend to meet regional buyers.
Is the event open to the public or trade only?
It is a hospitality trade show aimed at operators and buyers rather than the general public. If you are unsure whether your role qualifies, check the registration terms with the Lakes Hospitality Association before travelling.
How do I register for the show?
Use the official Lakes Hospitality Trade Show website for registration details. Bring business details that show your hospitality role or company, and confirm any badge collection instructions before the show.
What kinds of exhibitors will I meet?
Expect 150+ exhibitors covering food and drink supply, kitchen and bar equipment, housekeeping and guest amenities, interiors, EPOS and booking technology, outdoor furnishings and hospitality services. The mix is shaped around the needs of Cumbrian hotels, pubs and visitor attractions.
Where can I park at J36 Rural Auction Centre?
On-site parking is available at J36 Rural Auction Centre, and free parking is advertised for events at the J36 site. Confirm current charges and hall access arrangements on the organiser or venue website before setting off.
How do I reach the venue by train?
The usual rail arrival point is Oxenholme Lake District on the West Coast Main Line, or Kendal station. From there, take a taxi to J36 Rural Auction Centre; direct bus service to the rural site is limited, so pre-booking a taxi is sensible.
Should I stay in Kendal for the show?
Kendal and the nearby M6 corridor are practical bases, with budget options such as Days Inn Kendal Killington Lake and Travelodge Burton M6 Northbound, plus midscale and premium rooms in Kendal. Book early if your visit coincides with half-term or a busy Lake District weekend.
Is the venue accessible for visitors with mobility needs?
Contact the Lakes Hospitality Association before the show to discuss specific access requirements, parking proximity and hall routes. J36 Rural Auction Centre is a rural site with outdoor surfaces between parking and the halls.
Is the 50th year marked at this edition?
The Lakes Hospitality Association is marking its 50th year, and the current listing highlights a 150+ exhibitor show. Check the official schedule for any anniversary activity, special features or changed opening times.
Can I combine the show with a Lake District supplier visit?
Yes. The venue sits near the M6 Junction 36 corridor, making it possible to add supplier visits in Kendal, Windermere or the southern Lakes. Allow extra travel time in February and confirm opening hours directly with any additional businesses.
Glossary
- Lakes Hospitality Association
- Regional trade body for Cumbria's hospitality sector and organiser of the Lakes Hospitality Trade Show.
- J36 Rural Auction Centre
- Rural event and auction site at M6 Junction 36 near Crooklands and Kendal, used as the show venue.
- Hospitality trade show
- Trade-facing exhibition where suppliers meet hotel, pub, restaurant, cafe and leisure buyers to discuss products, supply terms and service standards.
- Food-led pub
- Pub whose turnover centres on meals rather than drink; buyers look at menu development, kitchen equipment and food supply.
- Wet-led pub
- Pub whose sales are driven mainly by drinks; relevant categories include cellar equipment, glassware, beverage supply and bar service.
- Front of house
- Guest-facing areas and teams such as reception, restaurant service and reservations; relevant for uniforms, service technology and guest amenities.
- Back of house
- Kitchen, housekeeping, stores and staff areas; relevant for commercial equipment, cleaning chemicals, linens and laundry systems.
- Housekeeping
- Rooms and cleanliness operations in hotels, guesthouses and self-catering sites; covers linens, toiletries, cleaning systems and laundry.
- Guest amenities
- In-room or guest-facing products such as toiletries, tea and coffee trays, linens, towels and welcome items.
- EPOS
- Electronic point of sale system used in bars, restaurants and hotels for billing, stock control and sales reporting.
- Cellar management
- Beer line cleaning, temperature control and yield management in pubs and bars; a core buying topic for wet-led venues.
- RevPAR
- Revenue per available room, a hotel performance measure used by owners and general managers when reviewing room sales and pricing.
- Cumbria tourism season
- The seasonal pattern of visitor demand in the Lake District and Cumbria, which shapes procurement timing for hotels, pubs and attractions.
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Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
- Lakes Hospitality Trade Show Cumbria 2027
- Cumbria United Kingdom
- Kitchen equipment and appliances for restaurants
- Kitchen equipment and appliances for restaurants Cumbria
- Kitchen equipment and appliances for restaurants Cumbria 2027
- Beverage suppliers including wines and spirits
- Beverage suppliers including wines and spirits Cumbria
- Beverage suppliers including wines and spirits Cumbria 2027
- Health and safety products for hospitality businesses
- Health and safety products for hospitality businesses Cumbria
2 more alternate names hidden
Digital business cards for the show floor
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.